YouSaid · the spoken record

Abdellah

lines on the record: 181
first: 1994-02-15
most recent: 1997-04-23
sittings or episodes: 22
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“For its part, the international community must provide the necessary assistance to consolidate and strengthen the progress that has been made to date in Somalia.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“One must emphasize that consolidating progress through national reconciliation requires improving the standard of living of the population. According to the most recent report of the Secretary- General, there may be a nutritional catastrophe if the drought continues in the country. In this context, the role of the personnel of United Nations bodies, non-governmental organizations and humanitarian organizations is helpful in various ways. Working to meet the needs of the people in the best way possible, they continue to carry out their activities in frequently dangerous conditions. The Somali factions should facilitate the performance of these humanitarian activities and ensure the proper conditions for the reconstruction and economic recovery of the country.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“We believe that the United Nations has a paramount role in the continued mobilization of the international community to create a climate conducive to normalizing the situation in the country. The Security Council has the necessary authority to support those in favour of peace and persuade reluctant factions to come to terms. The arms embargo decreed in resolution 733 (1992) must be strictly observed by all States. Regional activities to promote national reconciliation must be supported in various ways by the international community. We fully support the Secretary-General's proposal to set up a trust fund to implement the Nairobi and Sodere declarations. We would also like to refer to the precarious economic and humanitarian situation of the Somali people at this time.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“This would encourage the factions that have as yet not signed the Sodere agreement to do so. Were this to happen, we could then hope that the National Reconciliation Conference envisaged in that agreement would enjoy the participation of all the camps representing the Somali people in order to establish a broad-based Government of national unity. At another level, mediation and good offices, both regionally and internationally, should be coordinated. In this connection, as the Secretary-General has suggested in his report dated 17 February 1997 on the situation in Somalia, it would be useful to appoint a high-level Special Envoy for the country, whose mission would be to provide liaison among the regional actors and support their mediation efforts.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“In this connection, my delegation wishes to pay a tribute to all regional actors, particularly Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia and Italy, as well as regional and international organizations and institutions that are working to establish conditions conducive to a settlement of the conflict. It is essential that such efforts continue and intensify with a view to consolidating achievements. In this connection, the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Organization of African Unity emphasized at their recent ministerial meetings the importance of involving all Somali factions in the peace process under way. The factions refrain from any action that could rekindle hostilities and unleash the old demons of confrontation, and they must promote dialogue and the peaceful settlement of their differences.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“Two agreements were reached among the majority of the Somali factions: the October 1996 Nairobi agreement and the Sodere agreement of 3 January 1997. This is without a doubt one of the promising developments that have recently taken place in Somalia. These agreements show the signatories' awareness and, we sincerely hope their desire to halt the fratricidal war waged by the various factions and to make it possible for Somalia to rejoin the international community. In this connection, we are pleased that the parties to the Sodere agreement have affirmed their determination "to place national interest above selfish clan interests and personal greed and ambition". This is an encouraging sign that, together with the establishment of a National Salvation Council, opens up real prospects for the rebirth of the Somali State.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“Mr. Abdellah (Tunisia) (interpretation from French): I wish at the outset, Sir, to express our satisfaction at seeing you preside over the Security Council this month. Your great skills and extensive experience ensure that effective work will be accomplished in the area of international peace and security. I should like also to congratulate your predecessor, Ambassador Zbigniew Wlosowicz of Poland, for his excellent work last month. The Security Council's consideration today of the situation in Somalia provides us with an opportunity to emphasize the need for an increasingly sustained commitment on the part of the international community to promote the restoration of a lasting peace in that country.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“The international community, represented here by this Council, must condemn the construction of the Jabal Abu Ghneim settlement and oblige Israel to reverse its decision and adopt a policy that establishes trust, without which no step forward can be taken to find a definitive solution to the issue of Palestine.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption1 (1997) · source
“Moreover these ploys are aimed at justifying the construction of settlements, which usually takes place in the calm that follows the storm and in the end have no effect on the ground. This Council must take a firm stand regarding this Israeli policy of settlements, which undermines the foundations of the peace process. One either respects the principles of the Madrid Conference and of the Oslo accords or one doesn't. Should the settlement policy in occupied Palestinian lands, including East Jerusalem, continue, along with continued violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention and lack of respect for commitments, the peace process can only be endangered.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption1 (1997) · source
“On the basis of this same strange logic, the Israeli Government is establishing a link between Palestinian acceptance of the decision to build this new settlement and the completion of the withdrawal of its forces from certain areas of the West Bank by virtue of the agreement reached between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority, thus endangering the implementation of contractual obligations. It is perhaps useful to recall that whenever the world denounced such decisions in the past, Israel hastened to claim that its agreement to the construction of Arab dwellings came in exchange for the building of settlements; this is what Israel announced this time again, in an attempt to mislead the international community. These policies are completely illegal.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The building of a settlement in Jabal Abu Ghneim, which until 1967 was part of the municipality of Bethlehem, is ansattempt to cut the links between Christian Palestinians in Al-Quds and in Bethlehem, the cradle of Christianity, and to reduce the Christian presence in the region. At a time when the inhabitants of Al-Quds are being prohibited from rebuilding their homes, when they are fined for doing so, obtaining building permits has been made dependent on their allowing Jewish extremists to lay hands on Arab territories in the city.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption1 (1997) · source
“We invite this Council to make it clear to Israel how important it is to pursue the peace process and preserve it from failure. This peace process is an international accomplishment, and no party has the right to manipulate it and jeopardize its foundations. The question of the city of Jerusalem is a grave one for the Palestinian people, first and foremost, but also for all Muslims, for whom Al-Quds is the first direction of prayer and the third of the Holy Places. Jerusalem/Al-Quds is a highly symbolic place of very special importance from a religious standpoint. Israel constantly attempts to weaken this aspect by insisting on the Judaization of the city and by placing obstacles in the way of its Arab, Muslim and Christian inhabitants in order to encourage them to emigrate.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The annexation decision taken by Israel has no legal validity, and any measure aimed at prejudging the results of the final negotiations runs counter to the text and the spirit of the peace process and jeopardizes it. From the very beginning, Tunisia has always worked persistently and with determination to ensure the success of the peace process, because we are firmly convinced that only by peaceful means can the issue of Palestine and the Israeli-Arab conflict be resolved. Tunisia is therefore Security Council 3745111 meeting (Resumption l) Fifty-second year 6 March 1997 deeply concerned and disturbed by certain Israeli practices that utterly contradict the agreements reached. Should they continue, these practices would only push the region back into a cycle of violence and confrontation.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The peace process in the Middle East has been based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and the principle of land for peace. The Oslo accords were in keeping with these principles and developed a step-by-step plan for their implementation, a plan aimed at establishing trust between the two parties in order to facilitate the attainment of the objectives. It was agreed that certain important subjects would be deferred until the negotiation of the definitive settlement, given the delicate and sensitive nature of these matters. This in no way authorizes changing the facts on the ground or redefining the situation in order to leave the negotiations devoid of substance and remove their raison tl'etr'a. East Jerusalem is an occupied land beyond Israeli sovereignty.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption1 (1997) · source
“It is regrettable that the Council did not receive from the Israeli Government the clarification requested on the steps it intended to take. Its response contained fallacious reasoning, as all observers of the settlement policies implemented by Israel in the occupied Arab territories were aware. These policies were in flagrant violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, decisions under international law and even the Oslo accords. It is clear that the building of this new settlement is part of a plan to isolate Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank, change the urban environment and the demographic composition of the population and impose a new reality on the ground, which would thwart the desire to see international agreements respected.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The Israeli Government disregards the counsel of all those who have asked it to refrain from taking this ill- conceived measure, showing its inability to gauge the consequences of such an action. International public opinion and the international community promptly denounced this unjust decision and demanded that the Israeli Government refrain from building the settlement and provoking the Palestinians. Last week, this Council adopted a very clear position. The President of the Council at that time, Ambassador Malingu, expressed the Council's concern after Israel had announced its intention to take this decision. The Council requested Israel to refrain from any action that might endanger the peace process.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption1 (1997) · source
“Mr. Abdellah (Tunisia) (interpretation from Arabic): I am pleased to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council, I wish ydu every success in your endeavours. I also wish to express our most sincere and profound thanks to Mr. Mahugu, the Ambassador of Kenya, for having guided the Council's work so well last month. The international community had hardly breathed a sigh of relief after the signing of the Al-Khalil protocol -- in spite of the lacunae in that agreement -- when the Israeli Government announced plans for a new Israel in Jabal Abu Ghneim in occupied East Jerusalem. These plans are in violation of the signed agreement and represent a consistent wish to impose a policy of fait accompli.”
1997-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745Resumption1 (1997) · source
“My delegation commends all those parties that have contributed to the task of reconstruction and rehabilitation and expresses the wish that this commitment be strengthened in order to enable Angola once again to travel the path of peace, stability and prosperity.”
1997-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3743 (1997) · source
“My delegation supports the extension of the mandate of UNAVEM. III until 31 March 1997, as has just been decided. It is now up to UNITA to comply, unconditionally and without delay, with all the agreements that it has entered into under the Lusaka Protocol, failing which the Security Council would be compelled to consider appropriate measures. Lastly, I would highlight the importance of the international community's support for efforts aimed at restoring total peace in Angola. That country, devastated by a long fratricidal war, today requires the assistance of the international community for its economic recovery.”
1997-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3743 (1997) · source
“My delegation also commends the humanitarian organizations for their activities, notably their contribution to demobilization operations despite the security problems inherent in this type of situation. My delegation must also express its appreciation for the essential role that the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III) has unflaggingly played since its establishment. Thanks to the dedication and courage of its staff, the United Nations Mission has discharged its mandate in an exemplary fashion. It is essential that the two Angolan parties cooperate fully to help UNAVEM. III to carry out its activities and to build on its achievements at a time when the Secretary-General is considering a transition plan for the United Nations Mission in the light of the progress made towards national reconciliation and peace.”
1997-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3743 (1997) · source
“It must also cooperate fully, with an eye to facilitating the extension of State administration throughout Angolan territory, so as to preserve the unity of the country and to ensure that the entire population enjoys public services. The procedures and mechanisms approved by the Joint Commission last month for the extension of State administration to the entire territory must serve as a basis for this goal. In this context, my delegation would like to pay a resounding tribute to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alioune Blondin Beye, who has made commendable efforts to smooth out difficulties and reconcile the views of the parties. The good offices of the three Observer States have also proven to be of great assistance and deserve to be pursued with the sustained support of the international community.”
1997-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3743 (1997) · source
“These delays only serve to sow doubt and mistrust in people's minds and threaten to further delay the peace process after so much sacrifice and effort. The Angolan parties must urgently demonstrate the political will needed to move forward and that they endeavour, through dialogue and consultation, to overcome the obstacles to a definitive settlement. A meeting between President Dos Santos and the leader of UNITA would be most helpful for the consideration of all those issues that are still prompting these delays, including the question of the future status of Mr. Savimbi. It is essential that UNITA honour its commitments without further delay, notably that of dispatching its representatives to Luanda, both to the National Assembly and to the headquarters of the future Government of National Unity and Reconciliation.”
1997-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3743 (1997) · source
“While progress has indeed been made in the quartering of UNITA troops and their incorporation into the Angolan Armed Forces, delays nonetheless continue to hinder the completion of this process. This has necessitated additional expenditures, which could have been earmarked for other activities, such as the demobilization and integration of former armed elements into civilian life. The situation has become even more disturbing following the increase in the number of deserters from quartering camps. Moreover, we are sorry to note that the UNITA members called upon to sit in the Angolan National Assembly have not yet arrived in Luanda as scheduled and that the Government of National Unity and Reconciliation has not yet been established.”
1997-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3743 (1997) · source
“Mr. Abdellah (Tunisia) (interpretation from French): Allow me first of all to congratulate you, Sir, on your election to the presidency of the Security Council and to express our joy at seeing you guide the work of this body with your characteristic skill and talent. I also congratulate your predecessor, Ambassador Owada of Japan, for his excellent work last month. Lastly, I would like to welcome His Excellency Mr. Higino Carneiro, Vice-Minister without Portfolio of the Government of Angola, who has come here especially to participate in this important debate. The Security Council is considering the situation in Angola at a time when the peace process in that country has entered a critical phase in the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol.”
1997-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3743 (1997) · source
“III and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Maitre Alioune Blondin Beye, for their devotion and the sacrifices they have made in the interests of restoring peace in Angola.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“My delegation can only support the action taken by the SADC countries and hopes that the Security Council will take the measures needed to compel UNITA to honour its commitments so as to ensure the full implementation of the Lusaka Protocol and the establishment of lasting peace in Angola and stability in the region. The pursuit and intensification of diplomatic and humanitarian efforts are also prerequisites for an improvement in the situation and the relaxation of tensions in Angola. Similarly, the international community has been called upon to increase assistance to that country in View of the urgent needs related to its recovery and reconstruction. Humanitarian organizations should also be strongly encouraged and supported in their efforts in this regard. Finally, I cannot but commend the personnel of UNAVEM.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“It is particularly urgent for UNITA to demonstrate a sincere and resolute willingness to fulfil all its commitments, especially with regard to the immediate dispatch of all its generals to Luanda for their incorporation into the Angolan Armed Forces, the return of deserters to the quartering areas and the speedy selection of the soldiers to be incorporated into the Angolan Armed Forces. In this connection, a meeting as soon as possible between President Dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi would be of great help in ironing out difficulties and dispelling any doubts which continue to impede the complete implementation of the Lusaka Protocol.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“Savimbi on the occasion of the summit of Heads of State of southern Africa, held on 2 October. We regret that Mr. Savimbi did not feel obliged to attend that summit. This meant that another valuable opportunity to find solutions to pending problems was lost. Despite the observance of the of the ceasefire, the delays in the peace process in Angola only add to the suffering of the people and increase the expenses involved in the implementation of the agreements reached and in the economic and social recovery of the country. This is all the more disquieting and alarming as we near the end of the UNAVEM. III mandate.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“It is clear that such a climate is hardly conducive to progress in the peace process. Other problems persist, with regard, for example, to the extension of State administration throughout the territory, the unimpeded continuation of mine clearance, humanitarian activities and the operations of UNAVEM. III, and difficulties connected with the demobilization and reintegration of troops. It is unnecessary to underscore that the political will of the two parties to make progress in the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol is a fundamental element in this process, and that the strengthening of trust between them is more necessary than ever for the earliest possible implementation of the stages yet to be completed. We welcome the efforts of the SADC countries, which tried to arrange a meeting between President Dos Santos and Mr.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“The peace process in Angola unfortunately continues to experience delays in the implementation of the final stages of the Lusaka Protocol. This has created a disturbing situation in terms of consolidation of the progress achieved thus far and of the continuation of the actions necessary for the country's return to normalcy. The quartering of UNITA troops has not yet been completed. Moreover, desertions from the ranks of quartered UNITA soldiers have recently increased, destroying in part what had been achieved. It goes without saying that the prolongation of the quartering period increases the financial burden incurred in housing the people involved. The completion of the establishment of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) through the incorporation of UNITA soldiers also continues to experience delays, arousing suspicion and doubt.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“In February 1994, the Organization of African Unity took the initiative to dispatch a ministerial mission in which Tunisia took part in its capacity as the then president of the Organization. Its objective at the time was to make the members of the Security Council aware of the need to establish the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III). The OAU has continuously followed developments in the situation and has engaged in many actions aimed at achieving peace in Angola. The last OAU summit meeting, held at Yaounde in July 1996, which considered this question, illustrated the concern and ongoing interest of African Heads of State in a speedy and permanent settlement of the Angolan conflict.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“Mr. Abdellah (Tunisia) (interpretation from French): I would like, first of all, to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council this month and to wish you every success in the accomplishment of your important task. My congratulations go also to your predecessor, Ambassador Alfredo Lopes Cabral of Guinea-Bissau, who carried out excellent work last month. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the presence here of the ministerial delegation of States members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). SADC's considerable efforts for the restoration of peace in Angola will strengthen all actions taken in this regard, whether by the troika countries, by the United Nations, or, particularly, by the Organization of African Unity (OAU).”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“In that respect, accelerating the peace process calls for a sustained commitment by investors and donors to continue and increase their contributions. For all these reasons my delegation supports the recommendation of the Secretary-General to extend the mandate of UNAVEM. III for three months, until 11 October 1996.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“My delegation would like on this occasion to pay tribute to the personnel of the United Nations Mission, who are working under difficult and often dangerous conditions. We hope that the Angolan parties will make further process on the road to peace, thereby enabling the United Nations forces to discharge their tasks under better conditions in order to fulfil their mandate as scheduled by February 1997. It is clear that the reconstruction of the country and the improvement of the living standards of the population are essential elements in the peace process. In this context, the reforms which the Government of Angola is striving to introduce to remedy the economic problems of the country deserve effective support from the international community.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“The effective and complete quartering of combatants and the unification of the armed forces are all the more important because the pursuit of other operations, including the demobilization of troops and their incorporation into civil society, as well as demining, depend upon them. In that respect, we welcome the action pursued by the United Nations to resolve the problems posed by the demobilization of troops, whose repercussions on security and the economic and social situation are clear. Likewise, we cannot fail to express our deep satisfaction at efforts to accelerate the demining process in Angola. The role of UNAVEM. III in the peace process is of the greatest importance.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“New measures have been a taken to that end, such as the adoption of a framework agreement on military matters; the promulgation on 8 May of the Amnesty Law; the beginning of the process of incorporating military elements of UNITA into the Angolan Armed Forces; the completion of the quartering of the rapid reaction police; and the second phase of withdrawal of the Angolan Armed Forces from advanced positions. All these measures, set out in the Secretary-General's report of 27 June 1996, should inspire UNITA to extend its full cooperation in the implementation of the agreements reached.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“However, we cannot fail to note that difficulties persist in the implementation of that Protocol. The operations for the quartering of troops unfortunately continue to encounter delays which can have only negative implications for the peace process, thereby prolonging the suffering of the population. At the present stage, the aim should be to strengthen trust between the parties and encourage a climate of cooperation and national reconciliation.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“Mr. Abdellah (Tunisia) (interpretation from French): Allow me at the outset, Sir, to say how pleased the Tunisian delegation is to see you presiding over the Security Council. Your ability and experience, combined with an in-depth knowledge of international problems, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, are guarantees of effective action in support of peace and security in the world. My congratulations go equally to your predecessor, Ambassador Nabil Elaraby of Egypt, who did excellent work in the Council last month. The implementation of the Lusaka Protocol has today reached a crucial stage, which calls for intensified efforts with a view to ensuring the success of the peace process in Angola. It is true that progress has been achieved. The cease-fire is generally being respected.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“The fact that the Security Council is considering on the same day the situation in Palestine and Lebanon once again shows that the question of the Middle East, with its various ramifications, is a single issue. There is no other way to resolve this crisis than by having the necessary courage to start negotiations on the question of Palestine as soon as possible in order finally to find a solution. Israel must withdraw from southern Lebanon and the Golan in order that the region can finally experience lasting, comprehensive peace and all the peoples of the region can enjoy prosperity and stability, respecting each other and the rule of law.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“Resolution 425 (1978) called upon Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon, but that resolution has not yet been implemented, statements made by Israeli leaders notwithstanding. This shows that there is no real desire on the part of those authorities. What Israel really wants is to continue its occupation of Lebanon. We call upon all parties to safeguard the peace process and to prevent it from stalling or failing. An immediate stop must be put to Israel's operations against Lebanon, and negotiations must begin immediately to withdraw forces and to halt military operations, for bitter experience has shown that such operations are at odds with and cannot attain the goals they are intended for, as they are rooted in vengeance and deepening hatred.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“What has happened to the firm position adopted by Heads of State at Sharm El Sheikh? When they confronted terrorism to safeguard the peace process from erosion or any failure, they condemned all forms of terrorist acts, committed for whatever reason. They urged the international community as a whole to take steps to put an end to terrorist actions, and to root out their causes. We are asked to safeguard the conditions likely to give momentum to the peace process and to prevent regression or failure. Since 1948, the Middle East region has seen a cycle of violence and counter-violence, leading to the international community's consensus convening of the Madrid Conference, where parties unanimously recognized and adopted the principle of land for peace.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“This has caused thousands to be killed or wounded, thousands to be sent into exile, bringing us back to a time which we thought was over forever, just as Lebanon was beginning to salve its wounds, to renew its strength, to regain its health, and to rebuild what war had destroyed. Lebanon has suffered an act of aggression against its sovereignty and its territorial integrity. This is another form of collective punishment based on the logic of force, violating the basic principles of the Charter and United Nations resolutions, particularly resolution 425 (1978). This new situation is another obstacle to peace, an inevitable consequence of the climate of tension created by the situation in Palestine and in the region in general. The situation has reached a point where we fear the consequences.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“Mr. Abdellah (Tunisia) (interpretation from Arabic): The Security Council is meeting for the second time in one day to take up the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, having earlier considered a similarly deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. This testifies to the international community's concern with regard to the escalation of violence, the extension of military operations, and the growing number of deaths. Peace in the Middle East is indivisible. That is a fact that we have learned through the bitter experiences of the Israeli-Arab conflicts over recent years. Today we are experiencing another tragedy in Lebanon, where the cycle of violence and tension is getting worse. Civilian populations are the victims of a whole series of attacks; even the capital itself, Beirut, is under attack.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“We ask them to give up this cycle of violence and counter-violence, and its consequences for the peace process, and to return quickly to the path of negotiations. We urgently appeal to the Security Council, which bears primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, to act quickly to put an end to the violence and to call for restraint and the resumption of dialogue to attain a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652Resumption1 (1996) · source
“We appeal to the United States and to the Russian Federation, as co-sponsors of the peace process, to intervene quickly to stop the serious escalation that threatens the peace process and undermines the goal of the Summit of Peacemakers held at Sharm El Sheikh: to assure the pursuit of the process by giving it new momentum to attain the aspirations of the peoples of the region, indeed, the aspirations of the international community as a whole. We also appeal to donor countries to assist the Palestinian people in the current crisis and to meet their commitments towards the Palestinian Authority to relieve the suffering of the Palestinian people and to rebuild their devastated economy. We call upon Israel to recognize the failure of force in the settlement of conflicts.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652Resumption1 (1996) · source
“The Palestinian people has chosen the path of peace. It has made peace its fundamental goal, as it demonstrated by supporting President Arafat and the Palestinian Authority in the recent elections. If Israel really wants peace - a peace based on justice, a lasting peace and one that commands respect and commitment - it must comply with its commitments and logically give up policies that run counter to the objective sought.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652Resumption1 (1996) · source
“They fuel violence and counter-violence, and the consequence will be to feed hatred and hinder the peace efforts of peace-loving countries and peoples within and outside the region. Tunisia has supported every stage of the peace process, and we continue to do so because of our unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, peace and self-determination, as well as to international law. We call here upon the Israeli authorities to rescind the measures taken against the Palestinian people and to put an end to practices that limit their freedom and threaten their security and their basic rights. Likewise, Tunisia demands that Israel respect its commitments, in keeping with the agreements concluded with the Palestinians, including withdrawal from Palestinian territories according to the agreed timetable.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652Resumption1 (1996) · source
“At the same time, we say that violence cannot be countered with violence. One cannot use as a pretext the actions of a group in order to suppress and starve an entire people, as is the case of the Palestinian people. They too have the right to enjoy security and to live in dignity, like all other peoples of the region. There is no equality or justice in punishing an entire people and making them pay for the actions of a few. The Summit of Peacemakers at Sharm El Sheikh reaffirmed the importance of the speedy achievement of peace in the Middle East and stressed the need to promote the peace process and to eliminate the obstacles impeding that process and the dangers threatening it. However, the measures now being taken in the Palestinian territories do not serve that end - quite the contrary.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652Resumption1 (1996) · source
“They are isolated from the outside world and live in an almost ghetto-like situation. They suffer terribly: women, children and the elderly are threatened with death by starvation and disease. It is not difficult, therefore, to foresee the negative impact on, and the serious consequences for, peace in the Middle East and the resulting threat to that process. The enemies of peace find in this tumultuous situation a pretext for carrying out their plans. We recognize the right of each State to security and stability and to reassure its population. This is a legitimate goal. We condemned recent attacks, including the massacre in Haram al-Ibrahimi and Haram Al-Quds al-Sharif, and we also denounced, along with the Israeli people, the assassination of the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Yitzhak Rabin.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652Resumption1 (1996) · source
“They also constitute a violation of the international resolutions adopted by the Security Council and the General Assembly, as well as a serious violation of the agreements concluded between the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in Oslo and Washington, and the subsequent Taba and Washington agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Apart from the illegal, illegitimate and heinous nature of these actions by Israel, we all are aware of the interaction between the activities and economic interests of Israel and the Palestinian territories and the precarious nature of the Palestinian economy. That is why Israel's steps constitute reprisals against the Palestinian people as a whole. These people are being suffocated in the economic and social spheres.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652Resumption1 (1996) · source